The Canada Human Rights Act says men and women doing work of equal value should be paid equally. How would you define “work of equal value”?

Why do you think it took almost 30 years to resolve this case?

Why do you think the Supreme Court decided so quickly?

Since this case began, the pay equity laws have been changed. The National Post story says the changes “prevent public servants from turning to the courts to obtain settlements in pay-equity cases. Instead, they would require female workers to achieve wage parity with their male colleagues through collective bargaining.” What are the pros and cons of such an approach?

Dani Reiss, CEO of Canada Goose was selected as “Ontario 2011 Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year” and received a “Business-to-consumer products and services” award. National and Ontario director of Entrepreneur of the Year, Colleen McMorrow mentions that Entrepreneurs need to have a strong frame of mind, and they should be innovative and risk takers. The program selects winners based on vision, leadership, financial performance and social responsibility. Mr Reiss has topped in all the criteria.

Questions:

Complete a SWOT analysis for Canada Goose. Explain its strengths and Opportunities that were favorable to Mr. Reiss’ success.

Study its Marketing plan? What effect does social media has on the marketing of the brand?

How does he cover the innovative and social responsibility aspect? How do you think this aspect affects its sales globally?

Sony’s CEO, Sir Howard Stringer’s speech at Wall Street Journal event last week compared and contrasted Sony’s achievements and goals with its admired competitor, Steve Job’s “Apple”. While Sony focuses on multiple products, Apple focuses on a few items with its main emphasis on marketing of those products. Sony has seen a consistent loss in sales, lay-offs and problems with its suppliers. On the other hand, Apple has captured the world with its seamless technologies that are difficult to imitate.

Questions:

Sony is going through loss in sales, business closures, lay-offs, cuts in operating profits, natural disasters in Japan and Thailand and much more. What would you suggest their marketing plan should emphasize on: marketing of the products they have or R & D and launching of new products?

Compare and contrast the SWOT analysis of Sony and Apple?

Explain the difference in marketing plans of Sony and Apple. Which one would you consider better and why?

The labor productivity of Canada (production per hour of work) is much lower than the other industrialized countries. It has increased an average of 0.5% since 2005 compared to an average of 2.1% in U.S. Unemployment rate among Canadians born in Canada is 7.5% compared to 15.8% for Immigrant population who is in Canada for less than five years. While a few professional associations have started considering foreign credentials, a lot more needs to be done since there are 440 Canadian regulatory bodies. Canadian hiring practices needs to be revamped, and immigrant education and experience needs to be considered, so that their hiring can lead to decrease in employment and subsequent increase in Canadian productivity.

Questions:

How should Canada harness the immigrant talent?

Do you think the increase in immigrant population in Canada is having a positive or negative impact to the Canadian economy?

Canada’s major employment is in retail and services industry. Should more consideration be given to these industries when evaluating immigrant applications?

The 2011Corporate Social responsibility report (CSR) of Wal-Mart Canada shows many positives. Reporting on the four categories of CSR—Environment, People, Ethical sourcing and Community, Wal-Mart posits that its policies has benefitted local Canadian businesses, encouraged organic baby food and discouraged child labour. However, the article suggests that these positives can also be drawbacks depending on how you look at it. For instance, is organic food really better than normal food?—such questions need to be clarified to get a true picture of CSR.

Questions:

Mention some more actions that firms incorporate to show a sense of corporate social responsibility?

Would you agree with the author’s controversial statements on the Wal-Mart CSR report? Justify your opinion with examples.

There is a fine line between what is right and what is not with respect to justification of social and ethical issues. As a corporate leader which path would you follow for your firm?